Portable partition



March 10, 1936.

E. E. KOENIG PORTABLE PARTITION Filed Feb. 8, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ATTORNEYS March 10, 1936. E. E. KOENIG PORTABLE PARTITION Filed Feb. 8, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Elmer idwardflw- BY 7 I ATTORNEY- 10; 1936. I E. E. KOENIG I 9 9 9 PORTABLE PARTITION Filed Feb. 8, 1952 s Sheets-Sheet 5 ii BY J6 j a 9 L ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 10, 1936 UNITED STATES 2,033,289 PORTABLE PARTITION Elmer Edward Koenig, Garfield Heights, Ohio, assignor to The Mills Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application February 8, 1932, Serial No. 591,669

25 Claims.

This invention relates to a portable partition and more particularly to a partition having separable sectional units.

There is an increased demand for partitionswhich may be readily taken down from one location and erected in another location. I accomplish this desirable end by constructing my partition of sectional units, each unit comprising spaced uprights having paneling therebetween. The units are held together to form a continuous partition by a truss construction which is adapted to engage the uprights of adjacent units and securely but removably clamp the same in a sturdy assembly. The truss construction is concealed entirely within the partition and also provides means for removably retaining the pilaster cap which covers the space between the uprights, giving a finished appearance to the partition. The truss construction is furthermore adjustable to permit rapid disconnection between the sectional units so that the partition may be quickly and easily erected in another location without damaging the same.

With the truss construction which I have provided, sectional units may be secured together in partition assembly at corners and bends, as well as along straight line runs, a slight change in shape or design of the truss members only being necessary to adapt the same to the particular location. The truss members are so made as to permit the passage of wires and conduits through the full length of the post formed by adjacent uprights. This truss construction may be placed in any location along the post uprights without the necessity of any machine operation being performed on the post uprights or pilaster cap.

An object of this invention is to provide a portable partition comprising knockdown sectional units having means permitting rapid connection and disconnection of units by a simple operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide means for removably and adjustably securing sectional units together, which may be concealed completely within the partition, which can be easily adjusted to permit quick connection and. disconnection of the sectional units without marring the partition or injuring the same during the process, which furthermore provides means for removably securing the pilaster cap and plinth block to the post uprights to cover the space therebetween, and which, with slight modif cations, may be used to maintain the straight run or angularly extending sectional units in fixed assembled relationship. Another object of my invention is to provide a pilaster cap adapted to cover the opening between the spaced uprights of adjacent sectional units, which is attractive in design and gives a finished appearance to the partition as a whole, and which may be removed and replaced at any time to permit ready access to the interior of the partition.

' Another object of my invention is to provide a portable partition which is economical to manufacture, which can be easily and quickly erected or taken down and re-erected by unskilled workmen without noise or injury to the partition, whose attaching parts are fully concealed within the partition when erected but readily accessible for attachment and detachment when the partition is to be taken down or moved, and which is attractive in appearance and durable and lasting in construction. Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which Fig; l is a horizontal cross-sectional view through my portable partition showing parts of adjacent sectional units secured together by my novel truss construction, this view being taken on line l--l of Fig. 4;

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view through my partition assembly and truss construction, taken-on line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view through 'my partition assembly and truss construction, this view being taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2 and at right angles to line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a vertical face view of my partition assembly, certain parts being broken away tov show the interior construction;

Fig. 5 is a perspective View of my novel truss construction which holds the sectional units in assembled position;

Fig. 6 is a top view of my partition assembly showing the spaced uprights of adjacent sectional units held together by a truss unit of somewhat modified construction, this view being taken on line 66 ofFig. 7; 7

Fig. 7 is a vertical cross sectional View through the spaced uprights of adjacent sectional units and my modified truss construction, this view being taken on line 'I'I of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the spaced uprights of adjacent sectional units and my modified truss construction as they appear before assembly;

Fig. 9 is a vertical face view of my partition assembly as it appears at the corner of a partition run, certain parts being broken away to show the interior construction;

Fig. 10 is a top view of my partition assembly as it appears at the corner of a partition run, this view showing particularly the truss unit used to secure adjacent sectional units, positioned at an angle to one another, in rigid assembly; and

Fig. 11 is a vertical face view taken at the corner of my partition assembly, showing more particularly the corner plinth block and pilaster cap removably retained in place by means of my corner truss construction.

Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures of the drawings.

I have shown in the drawings a portable partition comprising sectional units A and B removably held together in assembled and aligned relationship. Each sectional unit includes generally a pair of channel shaped vertical uprights I2, each having a panel receiving recess I3 in which the edge of the panel I4 is adapted to seat. Each sectional unit A and B is provided with a base member I5 and a mop strip I6 which extends along the bottom of the sectional unit. A chair rail or horizontal member I! may be provided at spaced intervals to give the required strength to the unit and to removably retain the panels I4 in position.

It will be noted that the flanges of each channel upright I2 are turned outwardly, and each flange is provided with an inturned edge portion I8, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. A spacer member I9, of stamped metal is provided with an outwardly extending lug portion 20 at each corner thereof.

The lug portions 29 are arranged to seat behind the inturned edges I8 of the adjacent uprights I2 in sectional units A and B. The spacer member I9 positively prevents separation of the spaced uprights. A pair of clip members 2|, one positioned on each side of the uprights I2, are provided with rebent portions 22 which are adapted to seat against the corner portions 23 of each of the sectional uprights I2. A screw bolt 24, having a nut 25 at one end thereof, extends through the aligned apertures 26 in the clip member. 7 It is now seen that by either manipulating the screw bolt 24 or the nut 25 thereon, the clip members can be drawn together so that the comers 23 of the uprights are firmly clamped between the rebent portions 22 of the clip members 2I and the lug portions 20 of the spacer member I9. A truss unit is thus provided which rigidly and firmly connects and clamps adjacent sectional units together in immovable assembly. If it is desired to take the partition down to move the same to another location, all that is necessary is to remove the nut 25 on the bolt 24. The truss units shown in Fig. 1, comprising the spacer member I9 the clip members 2| and the screw bolt 24, are preferably positioned at convenient intervals along the post uprights I 2, as shown in Fig. 4, to obtain the proper strength and rigidity.

If desired, an upstanding flange 21 may be provided along the sides of the spacer member I9, each flange 2'! having aligned apertures 28 through which the screw bolt 26 may extend. Openings 29 may be also punched through the spacer member III to permit the passage of wiring and other conduits through the post between the spaced uprights I2 and through the rail members I! which are also preferably of hollow construction.

A pilaster cap 30 is positioned on each side of the spaced uprights I2 to cover the space therebetween and to conceal the truss unit within the partition post. Each pilaster cap 30 is provided with flanges 3| having inturned edge portions 32 which are adapted to snap behind and seat against the rebent portions 22 of the clip members 2|. The pilaster caps can be applied to the partition by merely exerting sufficient pressure to cause the flanges 3| thereof to spring outwardly and to snap in place behind the rebent portions 22 of the clip member. The pilaster cap can be easily pried loose from the clip members 2| by the use of a simple tool. Access to the interior of the post for the adjustment of the screw bolt 24 to permit disassembly of the partition can thus be had at any time.

A plinth block 33 is provided to cover the space at the bottom of each of the spaced uprights I2. This plinth block is so shaped as to cover the ends of the base members I 5 and mop strips I6, and to be resiliently held in place by the clip member 2 I, as shown in Fig. 4.

I have shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, a truss unit of somewhat modified construction in that it is made from a single piece of stamped metal. Referring more particularly to Fig. 8, this truss unit comprises a central body portion 34 having spacer fingers 35 extending from each end thereof. A downwardly extending lug 36, formed by slitting the metal and bending the center piece downwardly, is provided. These lugs are adapted to interlock with flared out lugs 31 stamped out from the panel uprights, as shown in Fig. 7. Clip portions 38 extending at right angles from the spacer fingers 35 are provided with a downwardly extending flange 39, the outer ends of which are flared outwardly to provide rebent portions 40, as clearly shown in Fig. 8.

It will be seen that by placing the truss unit shown in Fig. 8 between the spaced uprights I2 and sliding the same downwardly so that the lug portions 36 interlockingly engage with the upwardly projecting lug portions 31 of the uprights, the uprights are held firmly and securely bound together. The lug portions 36 of the truss unit prevent outward separation of the channel uprights and the rebent portions 49 seat against the corners 23 of the uprights to prevent inward collapse thereof, the whole being thus trussed and clamped together in an immovable manner. To separate the sectional units, it is merely necessary to lift or drive the truss unit upwardly out of seating engagement with the upstanding lug portions 37 of the uprights. An opening 29 may be provided through the body portion of the truss unit to permit the passage of wires and conduits through the partition post. The pilaster cap 30 is adapted to snap into resilient engagement with the rebent portions 40 of the truss unit as before.

I have provided a somewhat modified truss unit to secure sectional units together when positioned at an angle to each other, as shown in Figs. 9, l and 11. In this form of construction, I provide a heavy spacer plate bent in the shape shown in Fig. 10 and comprising leg portions 4I connected together by a web portion I42 formed by a. rebend in the metal. The leg portions 4I may extend at any angle from one another, depending upon the angle at which the sectional units are to be placed. Each of the leg portions 4| is provided with an outwardly extending flange 42 which is adapted to seat against and engage an inturned edge portion 43 of a post upright I2. The spacer plate just described prevents outward separation of the sectional units at the outside comer.

Clip members 44 are provided, each having at one end thereof a shoulder or rebent portion 45 adapted to seat against a corner 23 of a post upright. The opposite end of each clip member 44 is shaped to seat against the web portion I42 of the spacer member. Machine screws 46 extend through each of the clip members 44 and screw into threaded apertures provided in the leg portions 4| of the spacer member to securely clamp the clip member 44 into seating engagement against the corner of the upright l2, firmly securing the sectional units in assembled position.

The inside edges of the sectional units are secured together by means of a butterfly strip 41 which seats against the inside corners 23 of the post uprights and may extend substantially the full length thereof. The butterfly strip 41 may be formed from a blank piece of metal and comprises generally web portions 48 extending at the desired angle to each other and seating against the exposed faces of the channel shaped uprights l2. The inwardly extending flange portions 49 of the butterfly strip are adapted to seat against the inturned edges 2|! of the post uprights, as clearly shown in Fig. 10.

To erect and assemble the sectional units at an angle to one another, the butterfly strip 41 is positioned in its proper location and machine screws or bolts 5|] are inserted through apertures in the flange portions 49 of the butterfly strip and screwed into threaded apertures provided in the inturned edges 20 of the post uprights. It will be noted that the web portions 48 of the butterfly strip have smooth outer edges formed by rebending the metal. A finished appearance is thus given to the exposed corner of the assembled partition. The butterfly strip 4! in conjunction with the spacer plate and clip members 44, cooperate to firmly and rigidly retain the corner sectional units in sturdy and immovable assembly. It is evident that by merely changing the position of the web portions 48 of the butterfly strip with reference to each other, and the position of the leg portions 4| of the spacer plate with reference to each other, the partition can be run at any angle and in any direction desired. The spacer member comprising leg portions 4| and cooperating clip portions 44 may be spaced at convenient intervals along the uprights |2.

A corner pilaster cap 5| as shown in Fig. 10 shaped into a pleasing configuration and presenting generally face portions 52 and flange portions 53, covers the space between the uprights l2. Inturned edge portions 54 provided on the flange portions 53 of the pilaster cap are adapted to seat against the shoulder portions 45 of the clip members 44 to resiliently retain the pilaster cap 5| in assembled position.

A corner plinth block 55 as shown in Fig. 10 is also provided to cover the space between the post uprights |2 at the bottom thereof. The'corner plinth block may be provided with side flanges having inturned edges 56 similar to the inturned edges 54 of the corner pilaster cap. The flanges 56 are adapted to seat against and resiliently engage the shoulder portions 45 of the clip members 44. The pilaster cap 5| and plinth block 55 may be made of any artistic shape desired. Great flexibility of design can be realized.

- It is now seen that I have provided a partition which can be quickly erected or taken down and reassembled in any location. The sectional units are held together by a simple truss unit which can be quickly put in place or removed, and which holds the sections together in an unusually strong assembly. Once the truss unit has been attached, the partition sections cannot be removed out of theirproper alignment without actually bending or destroying the uprights which comprise the sectional unit. Openings 29 are provided in the truss units which permit the passage of wires and conduits through the entire length of the partition post. The truss unit not only holds the sectional units in rigid assembly, but also provides means for retaining the pilaster cap and plinth block in position. The plinth block is vertically adjustable with respect to the truss unit so that carpets can be inserted thereunder at any time after the partition has been erected. The pilastercap can be quickly removed with a simple tool so that full access can be had to the interior of the post, either for rearrangement of the wiring therein, or readjustment or disconnection of the truss unit from the sectional units. The truss unit and. all securing parts are completely concealed within the partition so that the exposed wall surfaces thereof are not marred by screws, rivets, bolts, or other securing means. The entire partition assembly can be economically assembled from stamped or rolled parts and possesses all the desirable qualities of full portability, unusual strength, and flexibility of design.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In partition construction comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, each of said flanges having inwardly extending end portions, a truss unit adapted to removably engage said inturned end portions of adjacent sections to hold the same assembled, and a pilaster cap covering the space between said uprights, said cap having means adapted to engage portions of said truss unit to removably retain said cap against said uprights to present a finished, fully enclosed partition post.

2. In partition construction comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, each of said flanges having inwardly extending end portions and a truss unit adapted to removably engage the said inturned end portions of adjacent sections to hold the same assembled, said truss unit having portions to which each upright may be removably and firmly clamped against movement.

3. In partition construction comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, each of said flanges having inwardly extending end portions, a truss unit adapted to removably engage the uprights of adjacent sections to hold the same assembled, said truss unit having lug portions adapted to engage said end portions to prevent outward separation of said uprights, and other portions adapted to engage said end portions to prevent inward collapse of said uprights.

4. In partition construction comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, a truss unit adapted to removably engage the uprights of adjacent sections to hold the same assembled, said truss unit having lug portions adapted to engage said uprights from with-c in, shoulder portions adapted to engage said flanges from without, and means adapted to draw the uprights into firm clamped engagement with the lug and shoulder portions of said truss unit.

5. A partition construction comprising, sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, and truss units adapted to removably engage the uprights of adjacent sections at any point to hold the same assembled, said truss units each having lug portions adapted to engage said uprights from within, shoulder portions adapted to engage said flanges from without, and means adapted to draw the uprights into firm clamped engagement with the lug and shoulder portions of said truss unit.

6. A partition comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, each of said flanges having an end portion extending inwardly, and a truss unit adapted to removably engage the uprights of adjacent sections to hold the same assembled, said truss unit having lug portions adapted to engage the inturned ends of said flanges, shoulder portions adapted to engage the inturned ends of said flanges from within, shoulder portions adapted to engage said flanges from without, and means including a bolt and nut therefor drawing the uprights into firm clamped engagement with the lug and shoulder portions of said truss unit.

7. A partition construction comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, and a truss unit adapted to removably engage the uprights of adjacent sections to hold the same assembled, said truss unit including a spacer member adapted to engage said uprights from within, clip members positioned on each side of said uprights and adapted to engage the flanges thereof from without, and means extending through both clips adapted to draw the uprights into firm clamped engagement with said spacer member and clip members.

8. A partition construction comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights, a truss unit adapted to removably engage the uprights of adjacent sections to hold the same assembled, said truss unit comprising a spacer member adapted to engage said uprights from within, a pair of clip members, one positioned on each side of said uprights and engaging said uprights from without, means adapted to draw the uprights into firm clamped engagement with the spacer member and clip members of said truss unit, and cap members covering the space between said uprights and secured to said clip.

9. A partition construction comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights, struck-out portions projecting from said uprights, and a truss unit extending between said uprights to hold the sectional units in assembled position, said truss unit having lug portions engaging said struck-out portions to prevent outward separation thereof, and shoulder portions on said truss unit engaging said uprights to prevent inward collapse of said uprights.

10. A partition construction comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, struck-out portions projecting from the webs of said uprights, and a one piece truss unit adapted to removably engage the uprights of adjacent sections to hold the Same assembled, said truss unit having lug portions adapted to engage the struck-out portions of said uprights, shoulder portions adapted to engage the flanges of saiduprights, and clip portions preventing lateral shifting of said uprights with respect to one another.

11. A partition construction comprising sectional units, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, said flanges having inwardly extending end portions, a truss unit adapted to removably engage the said end portions of adjacent sections to hold the uprights assembled, a pilaster cap covering the space between said uprights, said pilaster cap having inwardly extending flange portions, and means on said truss unit for engaging said inwardly extending flange portions to removably retain the pilaster cap in assembled position.

12. A partition construction comprising sectional units positioned at an angle to one another, each unit having channel shaped uprights with the flanges thereof extending outwardly, a removable strip adapted to secure adjacent flanges on one side of said sectional units together, and a truss unit adapted to removably engage the other flanges of said sections, said truss unit comprising a spacer member adapted to engage said flanges from within, clip members adapted to engage said flanges from without, and means adapted to draw said spacer member and clip members into firm clamped engagement with said uprights to hold said sectional units in assembled position.

13. A partition construction comprising sectional units positioned at an angle one to another, each unit having a channel shaped upright having the flanges thereof extending outwardly, a removable strip member securing the flange of one upright to the flange of an adjacent upright, a truss unit for securing another flange of one upright to another flange of another upright, said truss unit having a spacer portion adapted to engage the flanges last mentioned from within, clip members adapted to engage the flanges last mentioned from without, and means adapted to draw the uprights into firm clamped engagement with the spacer portion and clip portion of said truss unit, and a pilaster cap covering the space between the flanges last mentioned and secured to said clip portions.

14. In a partition-wall construction, the combination with separable adjacent panel units of spacers between and detachably interconnecting them, at intervals, substantially in the midline of the partition, a cover for the interval between said panel units, and means for securing said cover to said spacers.

15. In a partition-wall construction, the combination with adjacent panel units of spacers between and interconnecting them, at intervals, substantially in the mid-line of the partition, a cover for the interval between said panel units, and means projecting from said spacers between said panel units for securing said cover to said spacers.

16. In a partition-wall construction, the combination with adjacent panel units of spacers between and inter-connecting them, at intervals, substantially in the mid-line of the partition, shoulders affording securing heads on said spacers, and a cover for the interval between said panel units adapted to be resiliently snapped over said shoulders.

17. In a partition wall construction, the combination of panel units each having marginal flanges extending side by side toward those of the other unit, spacers engagedbetween the panel units and interconnecting their edges between said flanges, and covers for the intervals between the panel units secured directly to said spacers.

18. In a construction of the character described, the combination of adjacent upright members of generally channel section having engagement portions on their webs and arranged, with their flanges toward one another, and spacers engaged between the opposed flanges of said adjacent channels and having hooks hooked behind said engagement portions.

19. In a construction of the character described, the combination with adjacent upright members of generally channel section having internally projecting engagement means on their webs, of spacers engaged between and directly with said adjacent channels, at intervals in their length, at opposite sides of their said engagement means, and also engaged by resiliency with and interconnecting said engagement means.

20. In a construction of the character described, the combination of adjacent upright members of generally channel section with their flanges toward one another, having internal straps on their webs at intervals in their length; and horizontal spacer plates engaged between the opposed edges of said adjacent channels and having lateral tongues hooked behind said straps.

21. In a construction of the character described, the combination of adjacent upright members of generally channel section with their flanges toward one another, having internal straps on their webs atintervals in their length; and horizontal spacer plates engaged between; the opposed edges of said adjacent channels and having lateral tongues behind said straps, and also having shoulders outside the channel flanges for securing a cover for the interval between said flanges.

22. A spacer of the character described comprising a plate adapted to be interposedbetween adjacent partition components and having laterally projecting tongues at its opposite edges for engaging and interconnecting said components, and also having shoulders projecting from its opposite edges between said tongues for the attachment of covers for the intervals between the components.

23. A spacer of the character described comprising a plate adapted to be interposed between adjacent partition-unit components and having laterally projecting tongues at its opposite edges for engaging and interconnecting said components, and also having portions projecting from its opposite edges between said tongues, with shoulders for engaging between the edges of the units, and other shoulders beyond those first mentioned over which covers for the intervals between the units may be resiliency-snapped.

24. A spacer of the character described comprising a plate adapted to be interposed between adjacent partition components assembled with edges opposed and having laterally projecting tongues at its opposite edges for engaging and interconnecting said components, and also having shoulders at its opposite edges between said tongues for engaging between the opposed edges of said adjacent partition components.

25. A hollow metal partition post containing a post-contour maintainer provided With attaching portions fixed tothe post walls and having a pilaster-securing projection.

ELMER EDWARD KOENIG. 

